NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Safavieh Home Furnishings is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to secure a joy-filled Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa for thousands of less fortunate children by hosting a toy drop off and holiday kickoff party on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Safavieh's flagship location at 902 Broadway in New York City.

For 72 years the United States Marine Corps Reserve has been putting smiles on children's faces by collecting and distributing toys to children around the United States."Safavieh is excited to once again host a drop-off location and annual Holiday Kick-off Party, this time in New York City. One gift of an unwrapped new toy can work miracles to a needy child's heart, this Holiday Season and beyond," said Anthony J. Ricci, coordinator for Safavieh's toy drive and kick-off party.

The retailer welcomes drop-off donations of unwrapped toys of any size to its Manhattan showroom, 902 Broadway, seven days a week, from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.

Safavieh invites the community to the Annual Toys for Tots, Holiday Kickoff Party on Thursday evening, Dec.12 located from 5 p.m. through 7 p.m.. Planned for the party are wine, finger food, good friends, interior designers, dignitaries and members of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Admission is free; a donation of a new un-wrapped toy is suggested.

Toys for Tots is a national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that has helped provide happiness and hope to disadvantaged children at Christmas, since 1947. From October to December every year, members of the Marine Forces Reserve, the Marine Corps League of veterans, and local community organizations collect toys, books and other gifts for less fortunate children in more than 700 communities across all 50 states. Donated items are distributed to the children most in need with the help of local welfare agencies, churches and other community groups. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of seven million less fortunate children. Since 1947, over 452 million children have been assisted.

At its 11 tristate retail showrooms, Safavieh Home Furnishings carries a diverse, comprehensive selection of stylish home furnishings, and its stores are known for successfully combining the best of interior design products and services.

Event coordinator Anthony Ricci is a designer with Safavieh Home Furnishings, a member of IDS (Interior Design Society), National Trust for Historic Preservation and a survey panel member for Synchrony Bank/Home Furnishings Division. His home base is Safavieh's Broadway showroom.